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Before making a list of all of the haunted houses and pumpkin patches you plan to visit this fall season, there is one thing you might want to take a look at before you get too wrapped up in hot apple cider and halloween movies: a fall maintenance checklist. At Sandlin Homes, we know that you might not have time to research everything you need to inspect, so we’ve narrowed down the list of home items you should check before Halloween quickly turns into Christmas. 

Take a closer look at your landscaping  

Sometimes taking care of your landscaping can seem like an unimportant factor when the weather turns cold. You might think that there’s not much to do with it until winter passes, but the truth is—fall is the perfect time to prepare your yard for winter. When heading into slightly colder weather, look for any unhealthy trees with abnormal leaf colors, leaves with holes in them or dead and broken branches. You may need to get them pruned or removed to make sure they don’t end up damaging your home if a strong winter storm comes through. Also, keep up with your raking as it tends to keep your grass healthy for the spring. 

Prepare your exterior walls for the winter winds

Take a look around the outside of your home to see if you notice any cracks close to areas like your windows or doors. By sealing any openings you see, you can effectively help reduce any cold air traveling into your home, therefore cutting down on heating costs. It’s better to do this sooner rather than later as caulk is much easier to use and more effective before the weather turns cold. 

Keep your gutters and downspouts clear

Similar to keeping your lawn free of leaves, don’t forget to continuously check your gutters and downspouts. If left unchecked, a buildup of leaves can lead to a mess if it ends up affecting the drainage capabilities. Checking your gutters can also ensure that you never miss any damaged areas on them. If you do, be sure to get them replaced before winter sets in.

Inspect your roof

While you’re up on your ladder checking your gutters, why not make sure your roof is also ready for winter? See if you notice any cracked, buckled or even missing shingles and have them replaced, and if you feel any soft spots while walking, you might want to get it checked out. This could mean that the wood beneath your shingles is starting to rot. If you think you might miss something looking on your own—reach out to a professional to stop by for a roof inspection.

Test your HVAC system

One thing you never want to forget before the weather takes a chilly turn is checking your HVAC system. The first step is to clean the area around your furnace and check for any signs of outer damage. Then inspect your air filters, and see if they need to be replaced before turning on your furnace and seeing if everything is functioning properly. If nothing happens—schedule an appointment to get it fixed so it’s in perfect working condition when you truly need it. 

Prep the detectors

This is one of the most important things to check to ensure your family’s safety, and it’s also one of the easiest things to check off of your winter prep list. Make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working, and replace the batteries if necessary. 

Sweep out the chimney

Before cozying up around your fireplace with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, make sure to take a quick look inside your chimney. Ensure that the damper opens when you want it to and closes when you need it to, and if you see an excess of debris, hiring a chimney sweep could be your next move. 

We hope that this list is a helpful way for you to start the season off right, but if you’re looking for change and are in the market for a new home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we’d love to talk with you about our neighborhoods and Build On Your Lot options. Contact us online or give us a call at (817) 281-3509 to start your journey to your new home this fall.